If you’re looking for an easy, delicious salmon recipe that’s full of flavor, this Honey Garlic Salmon is the answer! With a mouth-watering honey garlic glaze, this salmon is perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances sweet and savory flavors with a hint of citrus, making it one of the best salmon recipes for health-conscious and food-loving cooks alike.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (preferably skinless for even cooking, but skin-on works as well)
- Salt and pepper, to taste – A light seasoning to enhance the salmon’s natural flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps to sear the salmon to a perfect golden brown.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness and aids in caramelizing the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic works best to add a fragrant, savory base.
- 1/4 cup honey – Provides natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce – Adds a salty depth of flavor to balance the honey.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Brings a bright, citrusy note and enhances the glaze.
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional) – Adds color and freshness to the dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper, which enhances the salmon’s flavor and helps the exterior to brown beautifully.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. (For medium-rare, aim for 125°F to 130°F in the thickest part of the fillet.) Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add the Honey, Soy Sauce, and Lemon Juice: Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Let the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and become glossy.
- Return the Salmon to the Skillet: Place the cooked salmon fillets back in the skillet, spooning the honey garlic sauce over each piece. Simmer the salmon in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the salmon.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully transfer the salmon to plates, spooning additional sauce from the skillet over each fillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy this delicious honey garlic salmon warm, served with rice, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side.
Tips for Making Perfect Honey Garlic Salmon
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon fillets make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon can become dry if overcooked. Aim for a temperature of 125°F–130°F for medium-rare.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet sauce, reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons.
- For Extra Glaze: Let the sauce reduce a bit longer before adding the salmon back in for a thicker glaze.
Pairing Suggestions
This Honey Garlic Salmon pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a fresh green salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 17g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes!
- Balanced Flavor: A perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory.
- Healthy: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart and brain health.
Try this Honey Garlic Salmon for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. It’s sure to become a family favorite with its bold flavors and satisfying texture!
